Read and translate the dialogue.

WASHINGTON D.C.

– Well, Donald, could you do me a favour?

– Yes, what is it, Ronald?

– I know you have been living in Washington for about five years. You must know it very well. Could you tell me something about the capital of the USA?

– With great pleasure, Ronald. George Washington, the first President of the USA, after whom the city was named, selected the area for the capital. A hundred square miles were taken from the states of Maryland and Virginia. It was called the District of Columbia (D.C.).

– Is the city well planned?

– Yes, it is. The city is divided into four sections: NW (north-west), NE (north-cast), SW (south-west) and SE (south-east). Numbered streets run north and south: First Street, Second Street... Lettered streets such as A-street, B-street run east and west.

– I'll try to remember it.

– Bear it in mind that every section has an independent street division. If you are looking for Third Street, you should know in what section of the city it is.

– What's the heart of Washington?

– The Capitol is. All the tourists begin sightseeing from the Capitol and see the Senate Chamber, the Representative Hall, and the Statuary Hall and so on.

– Are there any monuments in the city?

– Of course. The Washington Monument which is 555 feet tail is called "Pencil" because of its shape. It is three blocks south of the White House. There is an elevator which will carry you to 500 foot level observation windows. You should also see the Lincoln memorial which is west of the Washington-monument and the Jefferson memorial which is south of the Washington monument near the Potomac River.

– I'll follow your advice. I hear the Library of Congress is worth seeing.

– That's right. It contains millions of books and manuscripts. Are you interested in churches and cathedrals?

– Yes, I am.

– You should see the Washington Cathedral in Massachusetts Avenue, the Arlington National Cemetery which is outside the city limits. John F. Kennedy was buried there. The famous Tomb of the Unknowns is worth seeing too.

 

Read the text.

NEW YORK

New York, one of the largest cities in the world, was founded three hundred years ago in the mouth of the Hudson River.

The centre of New York is Manhattan Island. In 1626 it was bought from the Indians for a sum of twenty-four dollars. Today Manhattan is the centre of business and commercial life of the country. There are many skyscrapers, banks and offices of American businessmen in Manhattan. Broadway begins here; the Stock Exchange is located here. Very few people live in Manhattan, although the majorities work here. Numerous bridges link Manhattan Island with the other parts of New York.

New York is inhabited by people of almost all nationalities. It is even called «Modern Babylon». At the turn of the 20-th century a lot of people came to the USA from different countries of the world. They entered the USA through New York – the Gateway of America.

New York is one of the leading manufacturing cities in the world. The most important branches of industry are those, producing paper products, vehicles, glass, chemicals, and machinery. The city traffic is very busy.

 

Read and translate the dialogue.

SIGHTSEEING

– I say, Mike, what are your plans for today?

– Nothing special. Why?

– I want you to show me round. You have been living in New York for almost eight years, so you know better what is worth seeing.

– All right. You'll come for a ride with me and I'll show you some of the sights.

– It will be very kind of you.

– So we can start from Washington Square and go along Fifth Avenue We shall pass Greenwich Village and Union Square.

– The only thing I know is that Fifth Avenue is the place where very rich people live.

– That's right. Do you know what Times Square is famous for?

– No idea.

– It's famous for its theaters and movies. If you are interested in skyscrapers you should pay attention to the Empire State Building though it is not the tallest building any longer.

– There must be your famous Central Park nearby.

– Yes, it is a pleasure ground and besides there are a number of museums there.

– We'll go to the museums tomorrow. Agreed?

– Sure. Now I want you to see Park Avenue which is a fashionable residential section of the city. It's on the opposite side of Central Park from Broadway.

– I hear the Frick Museum and the famous Metropolitan Museum arc there.

– That's right. Do you want to watch a game of baseball?

– Yes, I do.

– In that case I'll take you to the Stadium. Tomorrow I'll show you some other sights: Rockefeller Center Radio City, George Washington Bridge and Bronx Zoological Gardens.

– I am looking forward to visiting those places.

11. Answer the following questions:

1. When was New York founded?

2. What was the price of Manhattan Island in 1626?

3. What is Manhattan today?

4. Do many people live in Manhattan?

5. What is Broadway famous for?

6. What are the most important branches of industry in New York?

12. Translate into English and learn the following words by heart:

Умеренный; циклоны; средний; на всем протяжении; среднегодовое количество осадков; говоря (о чем-либо); валовой национальный продукт; внешние территории; воздушное судно; Аппалачи; Великие озера; Скалистые горы; осел; Сьерра-Невада; Кордильеры; климатические условия; слон; округ Колумбия.